AN ELLESMERE Port couple whose two children were cared for at Chester's neonatal unit after being born prematurely are hosting a special tea party.

The Premituri-Tea Party, presented by Dinky Devas Countess of Chester Hospital (COCH) Neonatal Support Group, will take place at Ellesmere Port Civic hall on Tuesday, April 14, from 12pm-4pm.

Little ones and their grown-ups are all invited to come and celebrate the miracles that are little babies who are born too soon or born poorly.

The proceeds raised from ticket sales and sale of homemade and hand-crafted products sold at the event will go to Dinky Devas Neonatal Support Group.

Dinky Devas provide parents with the opportunity to connect with a fellow parent who understands what it is like to have a baby or babies in special care. Dinky Devas support current neonatal families through a programme of peer to peer engagement and we provide an ongoing community for families, post-discharge, via events and social media. They also fundraise in order to provide facilities and equipment to improve the experience of all family members during their time in hospital.

Chester and District Standard:

Harrison and Isobel were both cared for at Chester's neonatal unit

The event has been organised by Kylie Cadwallader, a receptionist at Jacobs Solicitors and, and her husband Elric, known for his recent work making the independent sitcom Morbid.

Kylie and Elric have two children Harrison and Isobel, both children were born prematurely and have both been on the neonatal unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

Harrison, who is now seven, was born at 33 weeks weighing just over 5lbs. Isobel was born at 26 weeks weighing only 2lb 2oz.

Chester and District Standard:

Kylie and Elric and big brother Harrison with Isobel in the neonatal unit at Chester

Kylie and Elric have been active members of Dinky Devas since Isobel was discharged from the unit in 2018 and have taken part in and organised several fundraising events for the unit and other charities that support neonatal units.

Kylie said: "Having a baby can be a very exciting experience, but sometimes it can be a very isolating one too.

"And when your baby is too soon or with health problems that require special care the experience can be terrifying. It was with the support provided by the staff and support workers on the neonatal unit gave us the confidence and courage to be strong for our two little ones. And that has inspired us to empower other parents to give them the power to believe in themselves and be there for their little miracles."

She added: "It is hoped that the Premituri-Tea Party will bring the community together to celebrate our little miracles be they born into special care or not. We have arranged a raffle with some great prizes, a tombola, face painting and DJ provided by Ant Ash. There will also be a live band provided by the local theatre company Boaty. Special guests will include; Disney princesses, storm troopers and superheroes to name a few, and of course the guests of honour will be the children and babies who have been patients on the neonatal unit at Chester.

Chester and District Standard:

Premituri-Tea Party

Tickets are £5 and are available at premituri-tea-party.eventbrite.co.uk. The food and drink at the tea party is covered in the price of the ticket. Other food items will be available for purchase throughout the day.